TIKTOK'S SURF'S UP INSPIRES ONLINE RESPONSIBILITY AT IIUM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- TikTok, the leading destination for mobile videos, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering digital literacy and responsible content creation among youth through its third Surf’s Up programme, held recently at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

TikTok Outreach and Partnerships Manager Waskito Jati said the participation of 150 IIUM students in a debate session during the third Surf’s Up: Deputies of Digital Literacy Summit aimed to enhance digital responsibility and help maintain safe online communities.

“Today’s youth play an essential role in shaping our digital landscape. Through Surf’s Up, TikTok aims to empower young people to take control of their online experience, be mindful about the content they post and share, and help create an online community that values positivity, inclusivity, and safety.

“We are inspired to see IIUM students actively engage in learning sessions and thoughtful discussions, and we look forward to seeing more students take on the role of ‘deputies of digital literacy’,” he said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) Chief Executive Officer Mediha Mahmood said initiatives like Surf’s Up help nurture a culture of self-regulation and digital responsibility.

“Online safety isn’t just about rules, it’s about conversations, critical thinking, and collective action. The Content Forum is proud to partner with TikTok on Surf’s Up to create spaces where young people can question, engage and learn.

“What’s especially powerful is seeing students debate and explore different viewpoints. It sharpens their thinking, opens minds, and reminds us all that the ability to see both sides is essential in navigating today’s digital landscape with confidence and conscience,” she said.

The latest edition of TikTok Surf’s Up featured a debate session on the responsibility of keeping online communities safe, alongside a panel discussion on personal responsibility in the digital world, held in collaboration with CMCF and IIUM’s World Debate and Oratory Centre (IWON).

Guided by IWON member and student Nisrina Nabihah, the debate saw three students on each team present their arguments, with the winner selected by audience vote.

IIUM students also participated in a panel session alongside Waskito, Mediha, TikTok creator and former lawyer Reina Lum, and moderator Sheahnee Iman Lee, discussing ethical and safe online practices.

The panel reflected on the debate, extending the topic into a broader discussion on the responsibilities that come with creating and consuming content, the role of users and platforms in shaping the digital landscape, and the importance of making conscious choices when sharing material online.

TikTok’s Surf’s Up at IIUM marked the third installation of the series, following previous engagements at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and University of Nottingham Malaysia earlier this year.

-- BERNAMA